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Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

Genghis Khan led the Mongol army which came to control one of the largest empire in history. However, what made the Mongols unique was their tolerance and spread of different forms of religion, trade, communication and civilization. Although the Mongols are traditionally known for their barbarism and brutal conquests, Genghis Khan abolished torture and allowed universal religious freedom. Through this open and vastly connected empire, the modern world was shaped.

Key Takeaways

Genghis Khan came from a small tribe in the middle of nowhere where he was captured and used as a slave for a while and managed to escape through the help of some friendly citizens. He went back to his family and killed his older stepbrother and this disgusted his mother. He had a “blood” brother who would end up being his biggest rival to claim title of Great Khan, or leader of the Mongols.

He was ruthless to anybody who betrayed him and to the aristocracy but was unprecedented in his tolerance of different religions and customs. This made integrating new people that he conquered much easier.

Genghis created the largest trade route of the time and split the spoils of his conquering amongst all his people instead of hoarding it all like the vast majority of other rulers.

Weatherford argues that Genghis’ image changed to that of a brutal pagan during the Age of Enlightenment in Europe

Weatherford attributes the following to Genghis Khan’s rule:

Advances in Astronomy

The compass

Spread of paper and printing

Gunpowder

The violin

Democracy and Government: Some ofKublai Khan‘s reforms inChina, which localized power and gave political strength to individual farms, was the firstdemocraticexperience in China. The tribal government of the Mongols had many democratic elements such as Mongol leaders being selected by council

Unprecedented religious tolerance

Low level of discrimination toward other races

Low level of meddling with local customs and culture

The idea of rule by consensus within Mongol tribes

Culture of meritocracy

Culture that believed in the rule of law

Strong sponsorship of Eurasian trade

Building of roads to support trade

First culture to promote universal literacy

First international postal system

First widespread use of paper money

Reduction of the use of torture in the penal system

Belief in diplomatic immunity for ambassadors/envoys

What I got out of it

Amazing what this one man was able to accomplish in a lifetime. It was fascinating to learn the amount of positive influences Genghis Khan had on civilizations from Europe to the Pacific even though he is traditionally portrayed as a barbarian in Western cultures.